The former head of the Federal Election Commission has filed a complaint against the California congressman, alleging he excessively used campaign funds to support a conservative coalition seeking to repeal parts of Proposition 47.
“Honestly, I've never seen anything so extreme,” Anne Ravel told the Times. She served as chair of the California Fair Political Practices Commission in 2011 and as chair of the Federal Election Commission from 2013 to 2017.
In her complaint with the Federal Election Commission, Raffel alleges that Rep. Kevin Kelly (R-Rocklin), who is seeking re-election this year, solicited and spent congressional funds in excess of the $5,000 statutory limit to support a tough-on-crime reform initiative. Proposition No. 47 regarding converting some drug and theft felonies into misdemeanors. Kelly spent $28,000 on petitions and mailing costs, according to the complaint, but Ravel claims that is “likely not the full extent” of his financial support.
Kelly's team did not respond to The Times' request for comment.
The initiative seeks to “reverse Proposition 47” by increasing penalties for certain property crimes and drug crimes. It is supported primarily by conservative groups, but also by some Democrats. The deadline for supporters to collect enough signatures to qualify the initiative for the November ballot is April 23.
Ravel said Kelly has “long been closely associated with the repeal of Proposition 47,” approved by voters in 2014, and has a close relationship with the initiative’s sponsor, the California Coalition to Reduce Homelessness, Drug Addiction and Theft.
The coalition has received more than $3 million from corporate retailers, including Walmart, Macy's, Home Depot and Target. One of the largest donors to Kelly's campaign is Walmart, according to Ravel's complaint.
Kelly represents California's 3rd District. He previously served in the state House from 2016 to 2022 and was a contender to replace Gov. Gavin Newsom in the failed 2021 recall effort.
